Namibia’s Omusati Region: after the rains

Two weeks ago, I visited the Omusati Region, a beautiful rural area in the far north of Namibia, on a work trip. Formerly known as Owamboland (together with the neighbouring regions of Oshana, Ohangwena and Oshikoto), this piece of land stretches across vast sandy plains that are used mainly for subsistence farming by the local Owambo people.

The Omusati Region in the north of Namibia after the rains. These flood plains are called ‘oshanas’ in the Oshiwambo language.

The timing of my visit could not have been better: this flat semi-arid landscape, which had been suffering the devastating effects of a severe drought for years, finally received some much-needed rain. It was amazing to see how quickly a bit of water can transform a landscape. Water is life, and rain a true blessing from above!

Here are a few special moments I captured during my recent visit to the Omusati Region:

A Makalani palm tree, which is typically found in the north of Namibia. Its seeds look like small coconuts and its fruits can be eaten – I’ve been told that these fruits are also used to brew ‘Ombike’, a potent local liqueur.Two survivors of the drought enjoying some fresh grass.One of the many tall anthills I saw next to the road.The Omusati Region is named after the Mopane trees in the region. ‘Omusati’ means ‘mopane’ in Oshiwambo.Traditional Owambo huts in Namibia’s Omusati Region.Beautiful green ‘Mahangu’ (millet) fields. Mahangu is the Owambo people’s staple food.A boy showing off freshly caught African bullfrogs. Just look at the size! Some people regard this as a real delicacy. I politely declined but rewarded him for the unique photo opportunity.Here time stands still: you wait patiently for the cattle to cross the road.

The Omusati Region is in the far north of Namibia, bordering Angola. The easiest way to reach it is via a 60-minute flight from Windhoek Eros Airport to Ondangwa Airport and rent a car. The distance from Ondangwa to Outapi (which is the capital of the Omusati Region) is about 125km.

It is amazing to see what the rains can do to these arid regions. Vegetation thrives when there is little humidity in the soil. Namibia is definitely a very interesting place to visit, but seeing so much poverty makes me sad. You caught some very beautiful pictures after the rain.

Thank you for giving us such an interesting insight into the life of Namibia. Love your style of writing, so glad I discovered your blog via Faraway Files. Looking forward to read more as Africa is an unknown part of the world for me. 🙂 xoxo, nano | http://www.travelwithnanob.com

How do they cook the frogs I’m curious! I’ve tried frog legs in France, but passed on the frog and eel stew that was popular in parts of Croatia when we visited there! A beautiful picture of the boy who is clearly quite proud of his catch. I’m loving seeing and learning about a place I know little about – thank you so much for sharing it with #FarawayFiles, Erin

I was told they just boil the frog… but I’m sure they add some secret spices too! Thanks for your lovely feedback. I’ll be visiting Omusati again later this year for work and am looking forward to seeing more!

Those bullfrogs certainly would be meaty. They’re so huge at first sight I thought they were catfish. They eat bullfrongs in Laos but they were alive when I saw them at the market. I’m not sure they would look that long strung up. Thanks for the glimpse into this part of the world.budget jan recently posted…Stumers Creek Dog Friendly Beach at Coolum Australia

This is an interesting insight into this part of the world. I am amazed at how different it is. The ant hills are unique. Plus, those bullfrogs are huge! Where I grew up, we used to call the local frogs bullfrogs. I am sure it is not the same species. #TPThursdayRuth recently posted…Champagne: 9 Reasons to Visit this Region in France

Ha ha! I’ve never seen such big frogs either. Goodness! What I love about Namibia is its wide open arid and semi-arid spaces, the dramatic contrasts and interesting vegetation. So very different, yes. Its beauty is strangely alluring – it just touches you on a different level.